Iceberg A-43 was detected using the Defense
Meteorological Satellite Program's Optical Linescan Sensor
(DMSP OLS) infrared imagery on May 5. It is known to have calved
from the Ronne Ice Shelf sometime during the afternoon or evening
of May 4, as satellite imagery indicates that the ice shelf was
still intact on the morning of May 4. Iceberg A-44 calved in
the afternoon or evening of May 6, at or near the time that A-43
broke in half.

The National Ice Center provides worldwide
operational sea ice analyses and forecasts tailored to meet the
requirements of U.S. national interests. The center tracks icebergs
using remotely sensed data provided in-part by satellites operated
by NOAA and the Department
of Defense.

Iceberg names are derived from the Antarctic
quadrant in which they were originally sighted. The quadrants
are divided counter-clockwise in the following manner:

A = 0 to 90 degrees West longitude (Bellinghausen/Weddell
Sea)

B = 90 West to 180 (Amundsen/Eastern Ross
Sea)

C = 180 to 90 East (Western Ross Sea/Wilkesland)

D = 90 East to 0 (Amery/Eastern Weddell
Sea)

When an iceberg is first sighted, the National
Ice Center documents its point of origin. The letter of the quadrant,
along with a sequential number, is assigned to the iceberg. For
example, A-44 is the 44th iceberg the ice center has found in
Antarctica Quadrant A.